Gran scale
New climber Judith, 71 turns attic adventurer
GRAN Judith Plowman has rigged up climbing ropes from her attic – to practise newfound skills that belay her years.
Judith, 71, took up the sport three years ago after watching son Tim teaching younger members of the family.
But after enjoying climbs in the Peak District and Snowdonia, she is now confined to home – and is determined not to let herself get rusty.
Judith said: “Rock climbing always gives me this wonderful exhilarating feeling.
“There are moments when you’re scared, but not quite enough to care – just enough to get a lovely rush of adrenaline.
“It’s great because it challenges my mind. It’s like a puzzle, you have to work out the best way to get yourself up a cliff or climbing wall. I’m stronger and fitter than ever.”
IT consultant Tim, 29, who shares a home with Judith,
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helped set up the attic adventure course. Judith added: “We were inspired by a spoof video by a wellknown climber and decided to film me doing the same thing.
“Tim noticed our attic could be repurposed – a sling and two karabiners later, we had something safe and exciting to try.
“I perfected my single rope technique ascending and descending the beam, while we filmed the video.
“It’s not quite as good as the real thing, but being able to rope down two floors is great.” The retired civil servant, of Glossop, Derbyshire, also has another new hobby at home.
She said: “I’ve been caving under my double bed, wriggling through tight squeezes.”
Mum-of-three Judith, who has six grandchildren, said husband Adrian, 68, was “very supportive.” She added: “Filming the video was such a giggle.
“Laughter and being a little bit silly is what’s going to get us all through this tough time.”